Vol. 559 No. 2
94 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he and the leaders of the Irish dairy industry met Commissioner Fischler to discuss the industry on 29 November 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25702/02]
On 29 November 2002, I led a delegation, representing the dairy industry, to meet Commissioner Fischler to outline to him at first hand the importance of the dairy industry to Ireland, the difficulties that are currently being encountered by the industry and the need for careful market management in the future.
Commissioner Fischler accepted that there have been some problems in the market and that these have been particularly felt in Ireland. He pointed to the fact that the market had to be managed on an EU-wide basis and referred also to budgetary and WTO constraints.
The Commissioner agreed to consider further detailed information on market management decisions and their impact on the industry. This is being prepared by the dairy industry and I will transmit it to Commissioner Fischler as soon as it is available.
